Ergonomic snowshoe binding

ABSTRACT

An improved binding for use with snowshoes and like sport apparatus is disclosed which employs a novel mounting arrangement similar to the calcanean wrapping technique used by athletic trainers to wrap the ankles of athletes, thereby resulting in an ambidextrous binding which comfortably and securely fits a wide variety of sizes of feet in an ergonomic manner while enhancing the performance of both the binding and the snowshoe to which it is attached. The binding has left and right side members pivotally mounted on a base member between the front and an intermediate longitudinal position thereupon, and left and right calcanean wrap members pivotally mounted on the base member near the rear thereof. A first set of straps overlies the side member and the calcanean wrap member on the left side are encircles the right side of the calcaneus of the foot of a wearer, and a second set of straps overlies the side member and the calcanean wrap member on the right side are encircles the left side of the calcaneus of the foot of a wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to bindings for use withsnowshoes and the like to maintain the snowshoes on the feet of thewearer, and more particularly to an improved snowshoe binding whichemploys a novel mounting arrangement similar to the calcanean wrappingtechnique used by athletic trainers to wrap the ankles of athletes,thereby resulting in an ambidextrous binding which comfortably andsecurely fits a wide variety of sizes of feet in an ergonomic mannerwhile enhancing the performance of both the binding and the snowshoe towhich it is attached.

[0003] Recent years have seen an explosion in the level of interest insnowshoeing, with a broad cross-section of the public realizing that fora relatively modest investment, they can strap on a pair of snowshoesand immediately begin to snowshoe with a degree of proficiency notimmediately available in either cross-country or downhill skiing. Ratherthan requiring an extended learning curve, new participants in the sportof snowshoeing have only to strap a pair of snowshoes on their feet, andthen walk on the snow-covered ground. After only a few minutes, anyinitial clumsiness is quickly left behind, and the wearer is able tomove with relative freedom off the beaten trail and in the middle ofwinter.

[0004] As might be expected, the increasing interest in snowshoeing hasbrought with it a widely expanding array of snowshoes from a increasinglarge number of manufacturers, many of which offer a variety of designsdiffering substantially from the traditional wood frames and leather orrawhide laced webbing. The problem associated with the traditional woodframe and leather laced webbing snowshoes is that they require a highdegree of maintenance; if they are not properly and consistentlymaintained over time, they can be substantially less durable than isdesirable. In addition, such traditional wood frame and leather lacedwebbing snowshoes are not at all inexpensive, due primarily to the largeamount of hand work involved in weaving the leather webbing during theconstruction of these snowshoes.

[0005] Thus, over the last several years, the design of snowshoes haveevolved rapidly from the traditional wood frame and leather lacedwebbing snowshoes to lightweight aluminum alloy tubular frames with asegments of synthetic man-made fabric stretched thereupon and secured bybeing riveted or laced to the tubular frames. The frames may be made ofaircraft quality aluminum tubing which is bent to the desired outline,and which then has one end having a reduced outer diameter inserted intothe other end to form a continuous perimeter. The aluminum frames may beanodized or electrostatically powder coated. The fabric, which isreferred to as “decking,” may be made of a manmade material such asnylon, or from woven and coated (laminated) manmade materials. Thedecking is stretched over the tubular frame and is either riveted inplace on the frame or is laced to the frame. Other materials which havebeen used for snowshoes include molded plastics instead of sheet orfabric decking and carbon fiber frames instead of wood or aluminum.

[0006] With the advent of decking made of manmade fabric came the needto facilitate traction of the snowshoe, since the smooth surface of thedecking does not have the friction afforded by the leather laced webbingof traditional snowshoes. Accordingly, modern snowshoes use a metalcleat or claw attached to the base of the binding and, optionally, underthe portion of the decking which the heel of the wearer overlies. Suchcleats, claws, or other traction devices are a necessity, especially onhard packed snow or ice.

[0007] The other major component of snowshoes is the binding, whichfunctions both to retain the wearer's foot on the snowshoe and also as ahinge to allow the wearer to walk in a natural manner while wearing thesnowshoes with the plane of the snowshoe being allowed to articulaterather than being forced to conform to the plane of the wearer's foot.For the most part, improvements made to snowshoe design have focused onthe snowshoe itself rather than on the binding, with the result beingthat while snowshoes of today bear little resemblance to the traditionalwood frame and leather laced webbing designs, the bindings on modernsnowshoes have improved relatively little over time.

[0008] In fact, there have been only two major improvements to snowshoebinding design, both of which focus solely on the hinge aspect ofbindings rather than on the mounting aspect. The first of theseimprovements is that the hinge is now typically biased into a neutralposition with the binding being mounted on a strap made of manmadematerial such as extruded or die-cut PVC-coated vinyl, which allows thebinding (and with it the foot of the wearer) to flex forward andbackward. Thus, the binding is initially free to pivot, with greaterrotation progressively increasing the amount of force opposing therotation. This is referred to as a “fixed rotation” binding, and itresults in an improved degree of articulation which facilitates a normalwalking motion. It also lifts the snowshoe out of the snow with eachstep, facilitating walking in deep snow. In contrast, “free rotation”bindings, which are typically bearing-mounted on a rod extending betweenthe sides of the snowshoe, let the tail of the snowshoe drag, which canmake them less maneuverable and make walking backwards in powder nearlyimpossible.

[0009] The second of these improvements is a pivot system which combinesthe best features of a free rotation binding with the best features of afixed rotation binding, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,772, toAnderson. The '772 patent describes an adjustable system having alimited amount of initial freedom of rotation, with greater rotationbeing possible with the exertion of sufficient force to overcome africtional force which is adjustable. U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,772 is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

[0010] With the exception of these two improvements, which both relateto the pivoting aspect of snowshoe bindings, the basic mountingtechnique employed by snowshoes has not markedly changed at all.Snowshoe bindings all retain the foot of the wearer on the snowshoe byfirst retaining the toe of the wearer's boot in the binding, and then bypreventing the foot of the wearer from being moved rearwardly out of thebinding. Thus, most snowshoe bindings use straps (typically two strapsare used) to retain the toe of the wearer's boot in the binding, and anadditional strap around the rear of the wearer's boot to hold preventthe toe of the boot from being withdrawn from the toe straps.

[0011] The '772 patent uses a variation of this technique, with a toepiece secured to winged panels which are laced around the toe of theboot of the wearer. Other bindings known in the art use toe pieces offixed design or which are buckled or laced around the toe of thewearer's boot. All of them also include a strap or like apparatus aroundthe back of the wearer's boot to prevent the boot from slipping out ofthe binding. These retaining straps are typically buckled in the back ofthe wearer's boot. Straps and buckles do not evenly distribute theforces they exert on the foot, typically causing discomfort to the footof the wearer.

[0012] It is accordingly the primary objective of the present inventionthat it provide an improved binding for use in securing a snowshoe tothe boot of the wearer in a manner which is both secure and comfortable,and which affords complete control over the snowshoe on which thebinding is mounted. It is a closely related objective that the improvedbinding of the present invention hold the wearer's boot securely inplace when attached, keeping front to tack, lateral, and rotational footslippage to a minimum such that the binding of the present inventionacts as an extension of the foot. It is another objective of the bindingof the present invention that it distribute forces evenly, such thatclamping and compressive loads are evenly distributed about the entirearea of the wearer's foot in an ergonomic fashion emulating the muscularsystem of the foot.

[0013] It is an additional objective of the binding of the presentinvention that it be easy to operate, even while wearing gloves ormittens, and that the securing mechanism be located where it is easilyaccessible on the side and/or the top of the foot rather than behind thefoot. It is a further objective of the binding of the present inventionthat it be quick to secure and that it require only a single step toboth adjust it and secure it, making it very simple to use. It is yetanother objective of the binding of the present invention that once ithas been fastened to the foot, it stay secured and properly adjusteduntil it is removed.

[0014] It is still another objective of the binding of the presentinvention that it accommodate a wide variety of sizes of foot and anytype of boot or shoe, or even stockings or bare feet for applicationsbeyond use as a snowshoe binding, thereby minimizing or entirelyeliminating the requirement for different size bindings to accommodatedifferent wearers. It is a further objective of the binding of thepresent invention that it be of an ambidextrous design, to thereby fiteither foot without requiring different left and right binding designs.It is a still further objective of the binding of the present inventionthat it allow for use with either a fixed rotation or a free rotationmounting system, or with the hybrid arrangement of the aboveincorporated by reference '772 patent.

[0015] The binding of the present invention must also be of constructionwhich is both durable and long lasting, and it should also requirelittle or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout itsoperating lifetime. In order to enhance the market appeal of the bindingof the present invention, it should also be of inexpensive constructionto thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally, it is alsoan objective that all of the aforesaid advantages and objectives of thebinding of the present invention be achieved without incurring anysubstantial relative disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The disadvantages and limitations of the background art discussedabove are overcome by the present invention. With this invention, abinding design suitable for use with snowshoes is described which is ofan ergonomic design similar to the calcanean wrapping technique used byathletic trainers to wrap the ankles of athletes, thereby resulting inan ambidextrous binding which comfortably and securely fits a widevariety of sizes of feet in an ergonomic manner while enhancing theperformance of both the binding and the snowshoe to which it isattached. The binding of the present invention thus integrates lateral,longitudinal, and rotational or torsional clamping action using thecalcanean wrapping technique.

[0017] The ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention has asits base a binding chassis which is made of metal which will support theportions of the wearer's foot from roughly the arch of the foot forward,and is made with an acute upward angle therein to better fit theconfiguration of this portion of the wearer's foot. Located on top ofthe binding chassis is a foot pad, which provides a frictional surfacefor the wearer's foot to rest upon. Six pivot points are located in thebinding chassis and are aligned with apertures in the foot pad, withthree pivot points being located on each of the left and right sides ofthe pivot plate at positions near the front of the binding chassis(front pivot points), near the rear of the chassis (rear pivot points),and at a third location roughly three-quarters of the way between thefront and the rear of the binding chassis (intermediate pivot points).

[0018] Left and right Y-shaped side members and left and right L-shapedcalcaneous wrap members are used to distribute the forces of two sets ofstraps which retain the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the presentinvention in place on the foot of a wearer. The Y-shaped side memberseach are connected at one of the arms of the Y to a front pivot point,and at the other one of the arms of the Y to an intermediate pivot pointsuch that the left and right Y-shaped side members are respectivelymounted on the left and right sides of the binding chassis and foot pad,in an inverted position.

[0019] Left and right looping straps are each respectively arranged inan inverted V-shaped position on the outside of the left and rightY-shaped side members, respectively, with the ends of the looping strapslying intermediate the Y-shaped side members is and the foot pad at thepivot points, with rivets being used to secure the arms of the Y's ofthe Y-shaped side members and the ends of the looping straps to thebinding chassis in a manner permitting rotational movement of the topsof the arms of the Y's of the Y-shaped side members and the ends of thelooping straps to provide an enhanced accommodation for different wearerfoot sizes. Left and right connecting straps are respectively connectedto the midpoints of the left and right looping straps, respectively,with slip rings. The other ends of the connecting straps extend throughintegral retaining loops located on the outside of the Y-shaped sidemembers near the bases of the legs of the Y's, and are connected tobuckles.

[0020] The L-shaped calcaneous wrap members each are connected at thetop of the leg of the L to a rear pivot point, such that the left andright L-shaped calcaneous wrap members are respectively mounted on theleft and right sides of the binding chassis and foot pad, in an invertedposition with the free end of the base of the L directed toward thefront of the binding chassis. Long left and right cinch straps each arelocated with one end lying intermediate the L-shaped calcaneous wrapmembers and the foot pad at the rear pivot points, with rivets beingused to secure the top of the leg of the L of the L-shaped calcaneouswrap members and the ends of the cinch straps to the binding chassis ina manner permitting rotational movement of the tops of the legs of theL-shaped calcaneous wrap members and the ends of the cinch straps. Theleft and right cinch straps extend on the outside of the left and rightL-shaped calcaneous wrap members, respectively, along the base of the L,with the free ends of the cinch straps being located on the outside ofthe L-shaped calcaneous wrap members and extending through with the endsof integral looping straps located on the outside of the L-shapedcalcaneous wrap members at the bottoms of the legs of the L's.

[0021] When the foot of a wearer of the ergonomic snowshoe binding ofthe present invention is placed into the binding, the free ends of thecinch straps pass from the bottom of the legs of the L's of the L-shapedcalcaneous wrap members around the back of the wearer's foot, throughintegral looping straps located on the outside of the L-shapedcalcaneous wrap members at the bases of the L's, and are connected to abuckle. Thus, the left cinch strap passes from the bottom of the leg ofthe L of the left L-shaped calcaneous wrap members around the back ofthe wearer's foot, through the integral looping strap located on theoutside of the right L-shaped calcaneous wrap members at the bases ofthe L, and is connected to the left buckle. Similarly, the right cinchstrap passes from the bottom of the leg of the L of the right L-shapedcalcaneous wrap members around the back of the wearer's foot, throughthe integral looping strap located on the outside of the left L-shapedcalcaneous wrap members at the bases of the L, and is connected to theright buckle.

[0022] The ends of the Y-shaped side members and the L-shaped calcaneouswrap members which are connected to the binding chassis are connectedpivotally, thereby allowing the Y-shaped side members and the L-shapedcalcaneous wrap members to pivot to adapt to various foot sizes. Theergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention is thus adaptable tocomfortably fit wearers with foot sizes varying approximately from awoman's size 6 foot to a man's size 13 foot. In addition, the ergonomicsnowshoe binding of the present invention is ambidextrous to allow itsuse interchangeably on either foot.

[0023] An Achilles strap is located at the back of the wearer's foot,with the cinch straps both passing through openings in the Achillesstrap and acting to retain it in place. In the preferred embodiment, theAchilles strap is made of a segment of strap folded upon itself, with aloop extending upward from the point at which the cinch straps passtherethrough. The loop can be used to pull the cinch straps on the backof the wearer's foot when the wearer's foot is placed into the ergonomicsnowshoe binding.

[0024] It will thus be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thestraps form a calcanean wrap configuration, and that they are tightenedby pulling the cinch straps rearwardly from the buckles, which arelocated at the sides of the wearer's foot near the front of the ankles.Optionally, cushioning pads may be installed on portions of the insidesurfaces of the Y-shaped side members and the L-shaped calcaneous wrapmembers which bear against the wearer's foot. It will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that with or without the cushioning pads, theergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention distributes theforces of the straps evenly about the entire area of the wearer's footin an ergonomic fashion with the calcanean wrap of the bindingsemulating the muscular system of the foot. That is, the straps, Y-shapedside members, and L-shaped calcanean wrap members emulate and complementthe muscles and tendons of the foot.

[0025] The ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention may bemounted onto the snowshoe in conventional style using either a fixedrotation or a free rotation mounting system, or with the hybridarrangement of the above incorporated by reference '772 patent. In anyof these techniques, the mounting apparatus is located under the bindingchassis.

[0026] An additional component which can be used with the ergonomicsnowshoe binding of the present invention is a rear claw, which ismounted onto the snowshoe decking on the bottom side thereof in aposition immediately behind the location of the binding. A heel pad canbe mounted on the top side of the snowshoe over the location of the rearclaw, with the rear pad having a frictional surface upon which thewearer's heel will rest. The heel pad and the rear claw may be mountedto the decking of the snowshoe using rivets.

[0027] It may therefore be seen that the present invention teaches animproved binding for use in securing a snowshoe to the boot of thewearer in a manner which is both secure and comfortable, and whichaffords complete control over the snowshoe on which the binding ismounted. The improved binding of the present invention holds thewearer's boot securely in place when attached, and keeps front to back,lateral, and rotational foot slippage to a minimum such that the bindingof the present invention acts as an extension of the foot. The bindingof the present invention also distribute forces evenly, such thatclamping and compressive loads are evenly distributed about the entirearea of the wearer's foot in an ergonomic fashion emulating the muscularsystem of the foot.

[0028] The binding of the present invention is easy to operate, evenwhile wearing gloves or mittens, and the securing mechanism is locatedwhere it is easily accessible on the side and/or the top of the footrather than behind the foot. The binding of the present invention isquick to secure, and requires only a single step to both adjust it andsecure it, making it very simple to use. Once the binding of the presentinvention has been fastened to the foot, it will stay secured andproperly adjusted until it is removed.

[0029] The binding of the present invention accommodates a wide varietyof sizes of foot and any type of boot or shoe, or even stockings or barefeet for applications beyond use as a snowshoe binding, therebyminimizing or entirely eliminating the requirement for different sizebindings to accommodate different wearers. The binding of the presentinvention is of an ambidextrous design, thereby fitting either footwithout requiring different left and right binding designs. The bindingof the present invention allows for use with either a fixed rotation ora free rotation mounting system, or with the hybrid arrangement of theabove incorporated by reference '772 patent.

[0030] The binding of the present invention is of a construction whichis both durable and long lasting, and which will require little or nomaintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operatinglifetime. The binding of the present invention is also of inexpensiveconstruction to enhance its market appeal and to thereby afford it thebroadest possible market. Finally, all of the aforesaid advantages andobjectives of the binding of the present invention are achieved withoutincurring any substantial relative disadvantage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] These and other advantages of the present invention are bestunderstood with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0032]FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing the installation of acushioning pad onto the inside of a Y-shaped side member on the leg ofthe Y, the Y-shaped side member being for placement on the left side ofa wearer's foot;

[0033]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the Y-shaped side member illustrated inFIG. 1 from the outside thereof;

[0034]FIG. 3 is a first edge view of the Y-shaped side memberillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the interior of an integralretaining loop on the outside of the Y-shaped member;

[0035]FIG. 4 is a second edge view of the Y-shaped side memberillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, also showing the integral retainingloop on the outside of the Y-shaped member;

[0036]FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the Y-shaped side memberillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4;

[0037]FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing the installation of acushioning pad into the inside of an L-shaped calcaneus wrap member forplacement on the left side of a wearer's foot;

[0038]FIG. 7 is a plan view of the L-shaped calcaneus wrap memberillustrated in FIG. 6 from the outside thereof;

[0039]FIG. 8 is an edge view of L-shaped calcaneus wrap memberillustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, showing the interior of two integralretaining loops on the outside of the L-shaped calcaneus wrap member;

[0040]FIG. 9 is an isometric view of L-shaped calcaneus wrap memberillustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8;

[0041]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a binding chassis having clawportions extending downwardly therefrom;

[0042]FIG. 11 is a first side view of the binding chassis illustrated inFIG. 10 from the left side thereof, showing the claw portions on theleft side thereof;

[0043]FIG. 12 is a second side view of the binding chassis illustratedin FIGS. 10 and 11 from the front thereof, showing the claw portionsextending downwardly therefrom;

[0044]FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a foot pad;

[0045]FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the foot pad illustrated in FIG.13;

[0046]FIG. 15 is a first side view of the foot pad illustrated in FIGS.13 and 14 from the left side thereof;

[0047]FIG. 16 is a second side view of the foot pad illustrated in FIGS.13 through 15 from the rear thereof;

[0048]FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the foot pad illustrated in FIGS.13 through 16;

[0049]FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a rear claw member having clawportions extending downwardly therefrom;

[0050]FIG. 19 is a first side view of the binding chassis illustrated inFIG. 18 from the left side thereof, showing the claw portions on theleft side thereof;

[0051]FIG. 20 is a second side view of the binding chassis illustratedin FIGS. 18 and 19 from the front thereof, showing the claw portionsextending downwardly therefrom;

[0052]FIG. 21 is a top plan view of a heel pad;

[0053]FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a buckle;

[0054]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle illustrated inFIG. 22;

[0055]FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the buckle illustrated in FIGS.22 and 23;

[0056]FIG. 25 is a plan view of an Achilles strap;

[0057]FIG. 26 is an edge view of the Achilles strap illustrated in FIG.25, showing a loop extending from the top thereof;

[0058]FIG. 27 is a plan view showing the foot pad illustrated in FIGS.13 through 17 placed upon the binding chassis illustrated in FIGS. 10through 12, with two looping straps on opposite sides of the foot padeach extending through connecting slip rings, two connecting straps eachextending between a slip ring and one of the buckles illustrated inFIGS. 22 through 24, and two long cinch straps on opposite sides of thefoot pad near the rear thereof;

[0059]FIG. 28 is a plan view showing the installation of the Y-shapedside member illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5 (and a correspondingY-shaped side member on the right side) and the L-shaped calcaneus wrapmember illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 9 (and a corresponding L-shapedcalcaneus wrap member on the right side) onto the assembly illustratedin FIG. 27;

[0060]FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the assembled ergonomic snowshoebinding of the present invention, including the components illustratedin FIG. 28 and the Achilles strap illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, andshowing the calcanean wrapping technique utilized by the ergonomicsnowshoe binding of the present invention;

[0061]FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the ergonomic snowshoe binding ofthe present invention as illustrated in FIG. 29 installed onto asnowshoe;

[0062]FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the snowshoe and the ergonomicsnowshoe binding illustrated in FIG. 30;

[0063]FIG. 32 is a top plan view of a binding chassis similar to thebinding chassis illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 12, but having somewhatlonger claw portions extending downwardly therefrom;

[0064]FIG. 33 is a first side view of the binding chassis illustrated inFIG. 32 from the left side thereof, showing the claw portions on theleft side thereof; and

[0065]FIG. 34 is a second side view of the binding chassis illustratedin FIGS. 32 and 33 from the front thereof, showing the claw portionsextending downwardly therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0066] The preferred embodiment uses pivotable mounting of Y-shaped sidemembers and L-shaped calcaneous wrap members on the binding chassis toaccommodate feet of different sizes, with a strap system overlying theY-shaped side members and the L-shaped calcaneous wrap members. Thus,the heart of the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention isthese Y-shaped side members and L-shaped calcaneous wrap members and thestrap system which interconnects them. The design and construction ofthe left side members is illustrated and described in detail herein, itbeing understood that the design and construction of the right sidemembers is identical in principle, but with the right side membersconstituting mirror images of the left side members. In addition,similar reference numerals are used for the left and right side elementsof the present invention throughout, but with the reference numeralsused for the right side elements having 200 added to the referencenumerals used for the left side elements.

[0067] Referring first to FIGS. 1 through 5, a left Y-shaped side member40 is illustrated which has a configuration resembling an inverted Yhaving two arms 42 and 44 and a leg 46. The left Y-shaped side member 40is relatively thin (as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), and, in thepreferred embodiment, is approximately 5 inches tall and 5.8 incheswide, with the arms 42 and 44 of the Y being between approximately 1.3and 1.7 inches wide, and the leg 46 of the Y being approximately 2.5inches wide. The tops of the arms of the Y 42 and 44 (as seen in frontor rear plan view) are rounded, as is the bottom of the leg 46 of the Y(as seen in front or rear plan view).

[0068] An aperture 48 is located in and extends through the arm 42 ofthe Y of the left Y-shaped side member 40 near the top of the arm 42 ofthe Y, and is concentric with the rounded top end of the arm 42 of theY. An aperture 50 is located in and extends through the arm 44 of the Yof the left Y-shaped side member 40 near the top of the arm 44 of the Y,and is concentric with the rounded top end of the arm 44 of the Y.

[0069] Located on the outside of the left Y-shaped side member 40 on theleg 46 of the Y near the base thereof is an integral retaining loop 52which extends nearly the entire width of the leg 46 of the Y. Theintegral retaining loop 52 thus defines a narrow space between itselfand the surface of the left Y-shaped side member 40, as best shown inFIG. 4. A strap will extend through the integral retaining loop 52, aswill become evident below when the assembly of the various elements ofthe ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention is described.

[0070] In the preferred embodiment, located in the inside of the leftY-shaped side member 40 on the leg 46 of the Y is a recessed area 54 forreceiving a left side cushioning pad 56 which will fit partiallytherein. The left side cushioning pad 56 is thus thicker than therecessed area 54 is deep, so that when the left side cushioning pad 56is installed in the recessed area 54, the left side cushioning pad 56will project from the recessed area 54. The left side cushioning pad 56is preferably secured by adhesive, which in the preferred embodiment isa two-sided adhesive film 58.

[0071] The left Y-shaped side member 40 is made of a flexible materialwhich will remain flexible even in the cold environment which snowshoesare used in. In the preferred embodiment, the left Y-shaped side member40 is made by injection molding of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) suchas the material available from Monsanto Company under the trademarkSantoprene®, and preferably is Santoprene® 101-90. The left sidecushioning pad 56 is die cut from a sheet made of an appropriateresilient cushioning material, which in the preferred embodiment is alight but tough, resilient plastic foam material such as Ethylene VinylAcetate (EVA), which is a closed cell, cross-linked copolymer foam, andpreferably is EVA 30.

[0072] Referring next to FIGS. 6 through 9, a left L-shaped calcaneuswrap member 60 is illustrated which has a configuration resembling aninverted L having an leg 62 and a base 64. The base 64 of the L iscurved slightly upwardly at the ends thereof, with the distal end of thebase 64 of the L also extending upwardly somewhat. The left L-shapedcalcaneus wrap member 60 is relatively thin (as best shown in FIG. 8),and, in the preferred embodiment, is approximately 5.4 inches tall and5.8 inches wide, with the leg 62 of the L being between approximately1.25 and 1.5 inches wide, and the base 64 of the L being approximately2.1 inches wide except at the upwardly extending distal end, where it isbetween approximately 2.5 and 2.9 inches wide.

[0073] The top of the leg 62 of the L (as seen in front or rear planview) is rounded. An aperture 66 is located in and extends through theleg 62 of the L of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member 60 near thetop of the leg 62 of the L, and is concentric with the rounded top endof the leg 62 of the L. In addition, the leg 62 of the L is thinner nearthe top of the leg 62 of the L, and thicker near the bottom of the leg62 of the L to facilitate the adaptation of the left L-shaped calcaneuswrap member 60 to the contour of the wearer's foot in the region of thecalcaneus.

[0074] Located on the outside of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member60 on the leg 62 of the L near the bottom thereof is an integralretaining loop 68 which extends essentially the width of the leg 62 ofthe L. The integral retaining loop 68 thus defines a narrow spacebetween itself and the surface of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrapmember 60, as best shown in FIG. 8.

[0075] Located on the outside of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member60 on the base 64 of the L near the bottom thereof is an integralretaining loop 70 which extends from the integral retaining loop 68 tothe distal end of the base 64 of the L. The integral retaining loop 70thus defines a narrow space between itself and the surface of the leftL-shaped calcaneus wrap member 60, as best shown in FIG. 8.

[0076] Located on the outside of the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member60 on the portion of the base 64 of the L adjacent the leg 62 of the Lis a raised area 72, which varies in width from narrower adjacent theintegral retaining loops 68 and 70, to wider at the top of the base 64of the L. The narrower portion of the raised area 72 is locatedintermediate the integral retaining loop 68 and 70. Straps will extendthrough the integral retaining loops 68 and 70, as will become evidentbelow when the assembly of the various elements of the ergonomicsnowshoe binding of the present invention is described. The raised area72 will act to guide the straps by acting as a perimeter on one side ofthe straps passing through the integral retaining loops 68 and 70.

[0077] In the preferred embodiment, located in the inside of the leftL-shaped calcaneus wrap member 60 on the base 64 of the L is a recessedarea 74 for receiving a left calcaneus cushioning pad 76 which will fitpartially therein. The left calcaneus cushioning pad 76 is thus thickerthan the recessed area 74 is deep, so that when the left calcaneuscushioning pad 76 is installed in the recessed area 74, the leftcalcaneus cushioning pad 76 will project from the recessed area 74. Theleft calcaneus cushioning pad 76 is preferably secured by adhesive,which in the preferred embodiment is a two-sided adhesive film 78.

[0078] The left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member 60 is made of a flexiblematerial which will remain flexible even in the cold environment whichsnowshoes are used in. In the preferred embodiment, the left L-shapedcalcaneus wrap member 60 is made by injection molding of a TPE such asthe material available from Monsanto Company under the trademarkSantoprene®, and preferably is Santoprene® 101-90. The left calcaneuscushioning pad 76 is die cut from a sheet made of an appropriateresilient cushioning material, which in the preferred embodiment is alight but tough, resilient plastic foam material such as EVA, andpreferably is EVA 30.

[0079] Referring next to FIGS. 10 through 12, a binding chassis 80 isillustrated which is made in the preferred embodiment from a metalmaterial such as, for example, 0.125 inch 7075 T6 aluminum, which is cutand bent into the illustrated configuration. In the preferredembodiment, the binding chassis 80 is approximately 7.25 inches long and4.5 inches wide. The binding chassis 80 has a front base portion 82 anda rear base portion 84 which intersect at an upward angle ofapproximately 13 degrees. Extending upward vertically from the front ofthe front base portion 82 is a toe stop 86, which in the preferredembodiment is approximately 1.625 inches tall.

[0080] Extending downwardly from the front base portion 82 at the leftand right sides thereof are two toothed claw segments 88 and 90,respectively, which in the preferred embodiment are angled inwardly atthe front thereof at an angle of approximately the left Y-shaped sidemember 20.3 degrees. Extending downwardly from the rear base portion 84at the left and right sides thereof are two toothed claw segments 92 and94, respectively, which in the preferred embodiment are angled inwardlyat the rear thereof at an angle of approximately 32 degrees. In thepreferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments 88 and 90 each have twoand one-half teeth, with the half teeth being at the rear of the twotoothed claw segments 88 and 90. In the preferred embodiment, thetoothed claw segments 88, 90, 92, and 94 all splay outwardly byapproximately 5 degrees. In the preferred embodiment, the toothed clawsegments 92 and 94 each have four and one-half teeth, with the halfteeth being at the front of the toothed claw segments 92 and 94.

[0081] In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments 88 and 90are approximately 3 inches wide, with the teeth varying in length fromapproximately 0.8125 inch at the front to approximately 1.1875 inch atthe rear (all teeth heights are measured from the top surface of thebinding chassis the binding chassis 80). In the preferred embodiment,the toothed claw segments 88 and 90 are located approximately 2.375inches apart in the front and 4.5 inches apart at the rear. In thepreferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments 92 and 94 areapproximately 2.625 inches wide, with the teeth varying in length fromapproximately 1.0625 inch at the front to approximately 1 inch at therear. In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments 92 and 94are located approximately 4.375 inches apart in the front and 1.625inches apart at the rear.

[0082] Located near opposite sides of the front base portion 82 near thefront thereof are two apertures 96 and 98. Located on opposite sides ofthe rear base portion 84 in an intermediate position are two apertures100 and 102. Located near opposite sides of the rear base portion 84near the rear thereof are two apertures 104 and 106. The apertures 96and 100 will be used as mounting locations for the left Y-shaped sidemember 40 (illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5), while the apertures 98 and102 will be used as mounting locations for a corresponding rightY-shaped side member (not yet illustrated herein). The aperture 104 willbe used as a mounting location for the left L-shaped calcaneus wrapmember 60 (illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 9), while the aperture 106will be used as a mounting location for a corresponding right L-shapedcalcaneus wrap member (not yet illustrated herein). Also located nearopposite sides of the rear base portion 84 near the front thereof areapertures 108 and 110, which will be used to mount the ergonomicsnowshoe binding of the present invention onto a snowshoe.

[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 13 through 17, a foot pad 112 isillustrated which will be located on top of the binding chassis 80(illustrated in FIG. 10). Located on the top surface of the foot pad 112is a textured portion indicated generally by the reference numeral 114,which extends between the left and right sides of the foot pad 112generally in the area where the ball of a wearer's foot will rest. Thetextured portion 114 of the foot pad 112 has a higher coefficient offriction to maintain the wearer's foot in place upon the foot pad 112.

[0084] Located in the bottom of the foot pad 112 and extending from theleft side to the right side is a laterally extending recess 116 whichcreates a living hinge, enabling the foot pad 112 to bend to fit uponthe front base portion 82 and the rear base portion 84 of the bindingchassis 80 (illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11), which are angled withrespect to each other.

[0085] Located near opposite sides of the foot pad 112 near the frontthereof are two apertures 118 and 120. Located near opposite sides ofthe foot pad 112 at an intermediate position (closer to the rear thereofthan to the front thereof) are two apertures 122 and 124. Located nearopposite sides of the foot pad 112 near the rear thereof are twoapertures 126 and 128. The apertures 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, and 128 inthe foot pad 112 will be aligned with the apertures 96, 98, 100, 102,104, and 106, respectively, in the binding chassis 80 when the foot pad112 is placed on top of the binding chassis 80.

[0086] Referring next to FIGS. 18 through 20, a rear claw member 130 isillustrated which has a base portion 132 and which is made in thepreferred embodiment from a metal material such as, for example, 0.125inch 7075 T6 aluminum, which is cut and bent into the illustratedconfiguration. Extending downwardly from the base portion 132 at theleft and right sides thereof are two toothed claw segments 134 and 136,respectively, which in the preferred embodiment are angled inwardly atthe rear thereof at an angle of approximately 23 degrees. In thepreferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments 136 and 138 splayoutwardly by approximately 5 degrees. Located near opposite sides of therear claw member 130 near the front thereof are two apertures 138 and140. Located near opposite sides of the rear claw member 130 near therear thereof are two apertures 142 and 144. The apertures 138, 140, 142,and 144 will be used to mount the rear claw member 130 onto the snowshoe(not yet illustrated herein).

[0087] In the preferred embodiment, the toothed claw segments 134 and136 each have three teeth. In the preferred embodiment, the toothed clawsegments 134 and 136 are approximately 2.375 inches wide, with the teethvarying in length from approximately 1 inch at the front toapproximately 0.75 inch at the rear. In the preferred embodiment, thetoothed claw segments 134 and 136 are located approximately 4.75 inchesapart in the front and 3 inches apart at the rear.

[0088] Referring now to FIG. 21, a heel pad 146 is illustrated which isfor placement on the top surface of a snowshoe (not yet illustratedherein) on the decking of the snowshoe where the heel of a wearer willrest. Located near opposite sides of the heel pad 146 near the frontthereof are two apertures 148 and 150. Located near opposite sides ofthe heel pad 146 near the rear thereof are two apertures 152 and 154.The apertures 148, 150, 152, and 154 will align with the apertures 138,140, 142, and 144 in the rear claw member 130 (illustrated in FIG. 18),and will be used to mount the heel pad 146 onto the snowshoe.

[0089] The heel pad 146 is relatively thin, and is made of a materialwhich has a good coefficient of friction to retain the heel of a wearerthereupon. In the preferred embodiment, the heel pad 146 may be made byinjection molding of a TPE such as the material available from MonsantoCompany under the trademark Santoprene®, and preferably is Santoprene®101-90.

[0090] Referring next to FIGS. 22 through 24, a buckle 156 isillustrated, two of which will be used in conjunction with straps toretain the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention on thefoot of a wearer. The buckle 156 has a first cross-member 158 and asecond cross-member 160. One strap will be permanently mounted onto thefirst cross-member 158, while another strap will extend around thesecond cross-member 160, being threaded from the bottom of the buckle156 between the first cross-members 158 and 160, then around the secondcross-member 160 and back down to the bottom of the buckle 156. Fromthere, the end of the second strap will bear on a row of teeth 162located on the bottom of the buckle, which teeth 162 act to retain thesecond strap in position without loosening.

[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, an Achilles strap 164 which ismade out of a segment of woven strap fabric is illustrated. One end ofthe segment of woven strap fabric is located at the middle of theAchilles strap 164 and extends downward, and then loops to the rear (tothe right as viewed in FIG. 26) and upward to the top, and then to thefront and down to the bottom. The Achilles strap 164 is stitchedtogether at the middle as indicated generally by the reference numeral166, and near the bottom as indicated generally by the reference numeral168.

[0092] Note that a small loop 170 is formed at the back of the Achillesstrap 164 between the stitching 166 and the stitching 168, and a smallloop 171 is formed at the front of the Achilles strap 164. The smallloops 170 and 171 will be used to retain straps retaining the ergonomicsnowshoe binding of the present invention. A larger loop 172 is formedabove the stitching 166, and will be used by a wearer to facilitateentry of the wearer's foot into the ergonomic snowshoe binding. In thepreferred embodiment, the Achilles strap 164 is made of nylon wovenstrap fabric approximately 1 inch wide, and is approximately 5 incheslong.

[0093] Referring next to FIG. 27, the various straps which are used toretain the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention on thefoot of a wearer are illustrated laid out over the foot pad 112 and thebinding chassis 80. A left looping strap 174 has an aperture 176 in oneend thereof and an aperture 178 in the other end thereof. The aperture176 is aligned with the aperture 118 in the foot pad 112 (illustrated inFIG. 13) and the aperture 96 in the binding chassis 80 (illustrated inFIG. 10). The aperture 178 is aligned with the aperture 122 in the footpad 112 and the aperture 100 in the binding chassis 80.

[0094] The left looping strap 174 extends through a left slip ring 180,which is located at the middle of the left looping strap 174. It will beseen that the left looping strap 174 as placed for mounting is in aV-shaped configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the left loopingstrap 174 is made of a nylon woven strap material with the ends doubledover to double the thickness at the ends, the woven strap material beingapproximately 1 inch wide, and approximately 9 inches long (end-to-endlength, exclusive of doubling of material at the ends).

[0095] A right looping strap 374 (recall that all reference numbers foridentical parts on the right side of the ergonomic snowshoe binding ofthe present invention have a reference numeral which is 200 greater thanthe corresponding part on the left side) has an aperture 376 in one endthereof and an aperture 378 in the other end thereof. The aperture 376is aligned with the aperture 120 in the foot pad 112 (illustrated inFIG. 13) and the aperture 98 in the binding chassis 80 (illustrated inFIG. 10). The aperture 378 is aligned with the aperture 124 in the footpad 112 and the aperture 102 in the binding chassis 80.

[0096] The right looping strap 374 extends through a right slip ring380, which is located at the middle of the right looping strap 374. Itwill be seen that the right looping strap 374 as placed for mounting isin a V-shaped configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the rightlooping strap 374 is made of a nylon woven strap material with the endsdoubled over to double the thickness at the ends, the woven strapmaterial being approximately 1 inch wide, and approximately 9 incheslong (end-to-end length, exclusive of doubling of material at the ends).

[0097] A left connecting strap 182 is connected at one end to the leftslip ring 180 and at the other end to the first cross-member 158 of thebuckle 156 (illustrated in FIG. 24). In the preferred embodiment, theleft connecting strap 182 is made of a nylon woven strap material sewnaround the left slip ring 180 and the first cross-member 158 of thebuckle 156, the woven strap material being approximately 1 inch wide,and approximately 4 inches long (the distance from the left slip ring180 to the first cross-member 158).

[0098] A right connecting strap 382 is connected at one end to the rightslip ring 380 and at the other end to the first cross-member of thebuckle 356 (the buckle 156 and the first cross-member 158 areillustrated in FIG. 24). In the preferred embodiment, the rightconnecting strap 382 is made of a nylon woven strap material sewn aroundthe right slip ring 380 and the first cross-member 358 of the buckle356, the woven strap material being approximately 1 inch wide, andapproximately 4 inches long (the distance from the right slip ring 380to the first cross-member).

[0099] A left cinch strap 184 has an aperture 186 in one end thereof,which aperture 186 is aligned with the aperture 126 in the foot pad 112(illustrated in FIG. 13) and the aperture 104 in the binding chassis 80(illustrated in FIG. 10). The left cinch strap 184 extends to the leftand the rear from its point of attachment. In the preferred embodiment,the left cinch strap 184 is made of a nylon woven strap material withthe secured end doubled over to double the thickness at that end, thewoven strap material being approximately 1 inch wide, and approximately30 inches long (end-to-end length, exclusive of doubling of material atthe secured end).

[0100] A right cinch strap 384 has an aperture 386 in one end thereof,which aperture 386 is aligned with the aperture 128 in the foot pad 112(illustrated in FIG. 13) and the aperture 106 in the binding chassis 80(illustrated in FIG. 10). The right cinch strap 384 extends to the rightand the rear from its point of attachment. In the preferred embodiment,the right cinch strap 384 is made of a nylon woven strap material withthe secured end doubled over to double the thickness at that end, thewoven strap material being approximately 1 inch wide, and approximately30 inches long (end-to-end length, exclusive of doubling of material atthe secured end).

[0101] Referring now to FIG. 28, the installation of the left Y-shapedside member 40, the corresponding the right Y-shaped side member 240,the left L-shaped calcaneus wrap member 60, and the corresponding rightL-shaped calcaneus wrap member 260 is illustrated. The assembly is donewith a plurality of rivets inserted from the bottom of the bindingchassis 80, extending through the various materials and through washers,with the rivets then being secured.

[0102] A rivet 188 extends sequentially through the aperture 96 in thebinding chassis 80 (illustrated in FIG. 10), the aperture 118 in thefoot pad 112 (illustrated in FIG. 13), the aperture 176 in the leftlooping strap 174 (illustrated in FIG. 27), the aperture 48 in the leftY-shaped side member 40 (illustrated in FIG. 1), and a washer 190. Arivet 192 extends sequentially through the aperture 100 in the bindingchassis 80 (illustrated in FIG. 10), the aperture 122 in the foot pad112 (illustrated in FIG. 13), the aperture 178 in the left looping strap174 (illustrated in FIG. 27), the aperture 50 in the left Y-shaped sidemember 40 (illustrated in FIG. 1), and a washer 194. The buckle 156 andthe left connecting strap 182 are then threaded through the integralretaining loop 52 in the leg 46 of the Y of the left Y-shaped sidemember 40 (illustrated in FIG. 2).

[0103] A rivet 388 extends sequentially through the aperture 98 in thebinding chassis 80 (illustrated in FIG. 10), the aperture 120 in thefoot pad 112 (illustrated in FIG. 13), the aperture 376 in the rightlooping strap 374 (illustrated in FIG. 27), the aperture 248 in theright Y-shaped side member 240 (the aperture 48 in the left Y-shapedside member 40 is illustrated in FIG. 1), and a washer 390. A rivet 392extends sequentially through the aperture 102 in the binding chassis 80(illustrated in FIG. 10), the aperture 124 in the foot pad 112(illustrated in FIG. 13), the aperture 378 in the right looping strap374 (illustrated in FIG. 27), the aperture 250 in the right Y-shapedside member 240 (the aperture 50 in the left Y-shaped side member 40 isillustrated in FIG. 1), and a washer 394. The buckle 356 and the leftconnecting strap 382 are then threaded through the integral retainingloop 252 in the leg 246 of the Y of the left Y-shaped side member 240(the integral retaining loop 52 of the leg 46 of the Y of the leftY-shaped side member 40 is illustrated in FIG. 2).

[0104] A rivet 196 extends sequentially through the aperture 104 in thebinding chassis 80 (illustrated in FIG. 10), the aperture 126 in thefoot pad 112 (illustrated in FIG. 13), the aperture 186 in the leftcinch strap 184 (illustrated in FIG. 27), the aperture 66 in the leftL-shaped calcaneus wrap member 60 (illustrated in FIG. 6), and a washer198. A rivet 396 extends sequentially through the aperture 106 in thebinding chassis 80 (illustrated in FIG. 10), the aperture 128 in thefoot pad 112 (illustrated in FIG. 13), the aperture 386 in the rightcinch strap 384 (illustrated in FIG. 27), the aperture 266 in the leftL-shaped calcaneus wrap member 260 (the aperture 66 in the left L-shapedcalcaneus wrap member 60 is illustrated in FIG. 6), and a washer 398.

[0105] Referring next to FIG. 29, the installation of the left cinchstrap 184 and the right cinch strap 384 into the Achilles strap 164, theleft L-shaped calcaneus wrap member 60, and the right L-shaped calcaneuswrap member 260 is illustrated. The left cinch strap 184 is insertedthrough the integral retaining loop 68 of the left L-shaped calcaneuswrap member 60, then through the small loop 171 in the Achilles strap164 from the left side to the right side, and then through the integralretaining loop 270 in the right L-shaped calcaneus wrap member 260. Thebuckle 156 and the portion of the left connecting strap 182 to which itis attached are threaded through the right connecting strap 382. Theleft cinch strap 184 is then threaded into the buckle 156 from thebottom, up and around the second cross-member 160, and back to thebottom, bringing the left cinch strap 184 into contact with the teeth162 in the buckle 156.

[0106] The right cinch strap 384 is inserted through the integralretaining loop 268 of the right L-shaped calcaneus wrap member 260, thenthrough the small loop 170 in the Achilles strap 164 from the left sideto the right side (behind the left cinch strap 184), and then throughthe integral retaining loop 70 in the left L-shaped calcaneus wrapmember 60. The right cinch strap 384 is then threaded into the buckle356 from the bottom, up and around the second cross-member 360, and backto the bottom, bringing the right cinch strap 384 into contact with theteeth 362 in the buckle 356.

[0107] It will thus be appreciated by those skilled in the art that toenter the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention, the leftand right cinch straps 184 and 384 are loosened from the buckles 156 and384, respectively. The wearer's foot is placed into the ergonomicsnowshoe binding, and the left and right cinch straps 184 and 384 arepulled to tighten the ergonomic snowshoe binding on the wearer's foot.The teeth 162 and 362 in the buckles 156 and 356 will retain the leftand right cinch straps 184 and 384 in place until the buckles are pulledforward to release the left and right cinch straps 184 and 384.

[0108] Referring now to FIGS. 30 and 31, the installation of theergonomic snowshoe binding of the present invention onto a snowshoe isillustrated. The snowshoe itself has a decking 200 which is mounted ontoa tubular aluminum frame 202 using a plurality of rivets 204 and washers206, as is conventional. In the preferred embodiment, the frame 202 ismade of 6063 T832 aluminum, with a long-lasting anodized finish to repelsnow. Alternately, the frame 202 can be powder coated. The decking 200of the preferred embodiment is made of 1050 denier nylon, which resistscracking and tearing, and id preferable coated with polyurethane on thebottom side thereof and PVC on the top side thereof to resist abrasionand extend the life of the snowshoe.

[0109] The binding illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 is mounted in a fixedrotation manner, with a mounting strap 208 extending between the sidesof the frame 202 and riveted in place on both the top and bottom sidesof the decking 200 using four rivets 210 and washers 212. The bindingchassis 80 is secured to the mounting strap 208 using studs 214extending from the apertures 108 and 110 in the binding chassis 80(illustrated in FIG. 10), together with nut/washer hardware 216.Alternately, rivets and washers could also be used.

[0110] Also shown on the bottom of the binding chassis 80 in FIG. 31 isa thin sheet 218 made of polyethylene, which prevents snow from stickingto the bottom of the binding chassis 80. Finally, four rivets 220 andfour washers 222 are used to secure the heel pad 146 located on the topside of the decking 200 (illustrated in FIG. 30) to the rear claw member130 located on the bottom side of the decking 200 (illustrated in FIG.31). The rivets 220 extend through corresponding apertures 148, 150,152, and 154 in the heel pad 146 (illustrated in FIG. 21), apertures inthe decking 200 (not illustrated herein), and apertures 138, 140, 142,and 144 in the rear claw member 130.

[0111] Referring finally to FIGS. 32 through 34, an alternate embodimentbinding chassis 480 is illustrated which has longer claws. The alternateembodiment binding chassis 480 is again made in the preferred embodimentfrom a metal material such as, for example, 0.125 inch 7075 T6 aluminum,which is cut and bent into the illustrated configuration With theexception of the length of the teeth, the dimensions of the bindingchassis 480 are identical to those of the binding chassis 80 illustratedin FIGS. 10 through 12. The binding chassis 480 has a front base portion482 and a rear base portion 484, and extending upward vertically fromthe front of the front base portion 482 is a toe stop 486. Extendingdownwardly from the front base portion 482 at the left and right sidesthereof are two toothed claw segments 488 and 490, respectively.Extending downwardly from the rear base portion 484 at the left andright sides thereof are two toothed claw segments 492 and 494,respectively.

[0112] In the preferred embodiment, the teeth in the toothed clawsegments 488 and 490 vary in length from approximately 1.1875 inch atthe front to approximately 1.4 inch at the rear (all teeth heights aremeasured from the top surface of the binding chassis the binding chassis480). In the preferred embodiment, the teeth in the toothed clawsegments 492 and 494 vary in length from approximately 1.25 inch at thefront to approximately 1.1875 inch at the rear.

[0113] Located near opposite sides of the front base portion 482 nearthe front thereof are two apertures 496 and 498. Located on oppositesides of the rear base portion 484 in an intermediate position are twoapertures 500 and 502. Also located near opposite sides of the rear baseportion 484 near the front thereof are apertures 508 and 510, which willbe used to mount the ergonomic snowshoe binding of the present inventiononto a snowshoe.

[0114] It may therefore be appreciated from the above detaileddescription of the preferred embodiment of the present invention that itteaches an improved binding for use in securing a snowshoe to the bootof the wearer in a manner which is both secure and comfortable, andwhich affords complete control over the snowshoe on which the binding ismounted. The improved binding of the present invention holds thewearer's boot securely in place when attached, and keeps front to back,lateral, and rotational foot slippage to a minimum such that the bindingof the present invention acts as an extension of the foot. The bindingof the present invention also distribute forces evenly, such thatclamping and compressive loads are evenly distributed about the entirearea of the wearer's foot in an ergonomic fashion emulating the muscularsystem of the foot.

[0115] The binding of the present invention is easy to operate, evenwhile wearing gloves or mittens, and the securing mechanism is locatedwhere it is easily accessible on the side and/or the top of the footrather than behind the foot. The binding of the present invention isquick to secure, and requires only a single step to both adjust it andsecure it, making it very simple to use. Once the binding of the presentinvention has been fastened to the foot, it will stay secured andproperly adjusted until it is removed.

[0116] The binding of the present invention accommodates a wide varietyof sizes of foot and any type of boot or shoe, or even stockings or barefeet for applications beyond use as a snowshoe binding, therebyminimizing or entirely eliminating the requirement for different sizebindings to accommodate different wearers. The binding of the presentinvention is of an ambidextrous design, thereby fitting either footwithout requiring different left and right binding designs. The bindingof the present invention allows for use with either a fixed rotation ora free rotation mounting system, or with the hybrid arrangement of theabove incorporated by reference '772 patent.

[0117] The binding of the present invention is of a construction whichis both durable and long lasting, and which will require little or nomaintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operatinglifetime. The binding of the present invention is also of inexpensiveconstruction to enhance its market appeal and to thereby afford it thebroadest possible market. Finally, all of the aforesaid advantages andobjectives of the binding of the present invention are achieved withoutincurring any substantial relative disadvantage.

[0118] Although an exemplary embodiment of the binding of the presentinvention has been shown and described with reference to particularembodiments and applications thereof, it will be apparent to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes,modifications, or alterations to the binding of the invention asdescribed herein may be made, none of which depart from the spirit orscope of the present invention. All such changes, modifications, andalterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of thepresent invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A binding for mounting on a snowshoe or likesport apparatus for releasably retaining the foot of a wearer therein,said binding comprising: a base member which may be mounted on thesnowshoe or like sport apparatus, said base member being arranged andconfigured to support at least a forward portion of the foot of awearer, said base member having a left side and a right side and a frontside and a rear side; a first fastening member having first and secondends, said first end of said first fastening member being connected tosaid base member at a location near said left side and said rear side ofsaid base member, said second end of said first fastening member beingconnected to said base member at a location near said left side of saidbase member and intermediate said front and back sides of said basemember, said first fastening member being arranged and configured towrap around the right side of the calcaneus of the foot of a wearer; anda second fastening member having first and second ends, said first endof said second fastening member being connected to said base member at alocation near said right side and said rear side of said base member,said second end of said second fastening member being connected to saidbase member at a location near said right side of said base member andintermediate said front and back sides of said base member, said secondfastening member being arranged and configured to wrap around the leftside of the calcaneus of the foot of a wearer, said first and secondfastening members being of adjustable length to accommodate a variety offoot sizes and to allow said binding to be releasably secured to thefoot of a wearer.
 2. A binding as defined in claim 1, wherein said basemember comprises: a binding chassis made of metal, said binding chassishaving a top side and a bottom side and a left side and a right side anda front side and a rear side; and a foot pad located on said top side ofsaid binding chassis, wherein said foot pad is made of a materialproviding a relatively high coefficient of friction.
 3. A binding asdefined in claim 2, wherein said binding chassis comprises: a toe stopwhich extends upward vertically from the front side of said bindingchassis.
 4. A binding as defined in claim 2, wherein said bindingchassis comprises: a front base portion; and a rear base portion;wherein said front base portion is angled upwardly from said rear baseportion.
 5. A binding as defined in claim 4, wherein said bindingchassis comprises: a first toothed claw segment extending downwardlyfrom said front base portion at said left side of said binding chassis;a second toothed claw segment extending downwardly from said front baseportion at said right side of said binding chassis; a third toothed clawsegment extending downwardly from said rear base portion at said leftside of said binding chassis; and a fourth toothed claw segmentextending downwardly from said rear base portion at said right side ofsaid binding chassis;
 6. A binding as defined in claim 1, wherein saidfirst fastening member comprises: a first strap member having a firstend secured to said base member at a location near said left side andsaid rear side of said base member, said first strap member also havinga second end; a second strap member having a first end secured to saidbase member at a location near said left side of said base member andintermediate said front and back sides of said base member, said secondstrap member also having a second end; and a first buckle secured tosaid second end of one of said first and second strap members, saidfirst buckle being operable to engage said second end of the other ofsaid first and second strap members in a manner allowing for a variableadjustment of the length of the portion of said other of said first andsecond strap members between said first end of said other of said firstand second strap members and said first buckle; and wherein said secondfastening member comprises: a third strap member having a first endsecured to said base member at a location near said right side and saidrear side of said base member, said third strap member also having asecond end; a fourth strap member having a first end secured to saidbase member at a location near said right side of said base member andintermediate said front and back sides of said base member, said fourthstrap member also having a second end; and a second buckle secured tosaid second end of one of said third and fourth strap members, saidsecond buckle being operable to engage said second end of the other ofsaid third and fourth strap members in a manner allowing for a variableadjustment of the length of the portion of said other of said third andfourth strap members between said first end of said other of said thirdand fourth strap members and said second buckle.
 7. A binding as definedin claim 6, wherein said first buckle is secured to said second end ofsaid second strap member, said first buckle being operable to engagesaid second end of said first strap member in a manner allowing for avariable adjustment of the length of the portion of said first strapmember between said first end of said first strap member and said firstbuckle, and wherein said second buckle is secured to said second end ofsaid fourth strap member, said second buckle being operable to engagesaid second end of said third strap member in a manner allowing for avariable adjustment of the length of the portion of said third strapmember between said first end of said third strap member and said secondbuckle.
 8. A binding as defined in claim 6, wherein said second strapmember comprises: a first looping strap having a first end secured tosaid base member at a location near said left side and said front sideof said base member, said first looping strap also having a second endsecured to said base member at a location near said left side of saidbase member and intermediate said front and back sides of said basemember; a first connecting strap having a first end and a second end,said second end of said first connecting strap comprising said secondend of said second strap member; and a first slip ring connecting saidsecond end of said first looping strap to said first end of said firstconnecting strap; and wherein said fourth strap member comprises: asecond looping strap having a first end secured to said base member at alocation near said right side and said front side of said base member,said second looping strap also having a second end secured to said basemember at a location near said right side of said base member andintermediate said front and back sides of said base member; a secondconnecting strap having a first end and a second end, said second end ofsaid second connecting strap comprising said second end of said fourthstrap member; and a second slip ring connecting said second end of saidsecond looping strap to said first end of said third connecting strap.9. A binding as defined in claim 8, wherein said first and second endsof said first connecting strap, said first and second ends of saidsecond connecting strap, and said first ends of said first and thirdstrap members are all secured to said base member in a manner allowingfor lateral pivoting of first and second ends of said first connectingstrap, said first and second ends of said second connecting strap, andsaid first ends of said first and third strap members.
 10. A binding asdefined in claim 6, additionally comprising: a first side member securedto said base member at a location near said left side of said basemember and intermediate said front and back sides of said base member,said first end of said second strap member being located intermediatesaid first side member and said base member at the point at which saidfirst side member and said first end of said second strap member aresecured to said base member; a second side member secured to said basemember at a location near said right side of said base member andintermediate said front and back sides of said base member, said firstend of said fourth strap member being located intermediate said secondside member and said base member at the point at which said second sidemember and said first end of said fourth strap member are secured tosaid base member; a first calcaneus wrap member secured to said basemember at a location near said left side and said rear side of said basemember, said first end of said first strap member being locatedintermediate said first calcaneus wrap member and said base member atthe point at which said first calcaneus wrap member and said first endof said first strap member are secured to said base member; and a secondcalcaneus wrap member secured to said base member at a location nearsaid right side and said rear side of said base member, said first endof said third strap member being located intermediate said secondcalcaneus wrap member and said base member at the point at which saidsecond calcaneus wrap member and said first end of said third strapmember are secured to said base member.
 11. A binding as defined inclaim 10, wherein said first side member has an inner surface which willface the foot of a wearer and an outer surface, a proximal portion ofsaid second strap member being located close adjacent said outer surfaceof said first side member, and wherein said second side member has aninner surface which will face the foot of a wearer and an outer surface,a proximal portion of said fourth strap member being located closeadjacent said outer surface of said second side member, and wherein saidfirst calcaneus wrap member has an inner surface which will face thefoot of a wearer and an outer surface, a proximal portion of said firststrap member being located close adjacent said outer surface of saidfirst calcaneus wrap member, and wherein said second calcaneus wrapmember has an inner surface which will face the foot of a wearer and anouter surface, a proximal portion of said third strap member beinglocated close adjacent said outer surface of said second calcaneus wrapmember.
 12. A binding as defined in claim 11, additionally comprising: afirst integral retaining loop located on said back side of said firstside member, said second strap member passing through said firstintegral retaining loop; a second integral retaining loop located onsaid back side of said second side member, said fourth strap memberpassing through said second integral retaining loop; third and fourthintegral retaining loops located on said back side of said firstcalcaneus wrap member, said third integral retaining loop being locatedintermediate said fourth integral retaining loop and a plane containingsaid base member; and fifth and sixth integral retaining loops locatedon said back side of said second calcaneus wrap member, said fifthintegral retaining loop being located intermediate said sixth integralretaining loop and said plane containing said base member; wherein saidfirst strap member passes consecutively through said third integralretaining loop and said sixth integral retaining loop prior to beingengaged by said first buckle, and wherein said third strap member passesconsecutively through said fifth integral retaining loop and said fourthintegral retaining loop prior to being engaged by said second buckle.13. A binding as defined in claim 11, additionally comprising: a firstcushioning pad located on said inner surface of said first side member;a second cushioning pad located on said inner surface of said secondside member; a third cushioning pad located on said inner surface ofsaid first calcaneus wrap member; and a fourth cushioning pad located onsaid inner surface of said second calcaneus wrap member.
 14. A bindingas defined in claim 13, wherein said first, second, third, and fourthcushioning pads are made of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) resilientplastic foam material.
 15. A binding as defined in claim 10, whereinsaid first and second side members and said first and second calcaneuswrap members are made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material.
 16. Abinding as defined in claim 10, wherein said first side member isY-shaped, the tops of the arms of the Y of said first side member beingsecured to said base member at a first location near said left side andsaid front side of said base member and a second location near said leftside of said base member and intermediate said front and back sides ofsaid base member, and wherein said second side member is Y-shaped, thetops of the arms of the Y of said second side member being secured tosaid base member at a first location near said right side and said frontside of said base member and a second location near said right side ofsaid base member and intermediate said front and back sides of said basemember.
 17. A binding as defined in claim 16, wherein said arms of saidY's of said first and second side members are secured to said basemember in a pivotable manner to allow said first and second side membersto better conform to the foot of a wearer.
 18. A binding as defined inclaim 10, wherein said first calcaneus wrap member is L-shaped, the topof the leg of the L of said first calcaneus wrap member being secured tosaid base member at a location near said left side and said rear side ofsaid base member with the leg of the L oriented generally upward fromsaid base member and the base of the L oriented generally toward saidfront side of said base member at said left side thereof, and whereinsaid second calcaneus wrap member is L-shaped, the top of the leg of theL of said second calcaneus wrap member being secured to said base memberat a location near said right side and said rear side of said basemember with the leg of the L oriented generally upward from said basemember and the base of the L oriented generally toward said front sideof said base member at said right side thereof.
 19. A binding as definedin claim 18, wherein said tops of said legs of said first and secondcalcaneus wrap members are secured to said base member in a pivotablemanner to allow said first and second calcaneus wrap members to betterconform to the foot of a wearer.
 20. A binding as defined in claim 1,additionally comprising: a heel pad for placement on top of saidsnowshoe; and a rear claw member for placement on the bottom of saidsnowshoe, said heel pad and said rear claw member being securedtogether.
 21. A binding as defined in claim 1, additionally comprising:an Achilles strap member, said first and second fastening memberspassing therethrough such that said Achilles strap member serves toretain said first and second fastening members therein in closeproximity to each other, said Achilles strap member having a loopextending therefrom which may be used to facilitate installation of saidbinding.
 22. A binding for mounting on a snowshoe for releasablyretaining the foot of a wearer therein, said binding comprising: a basemember which may be mounted on the snowshoe, said base member beingarranged and configured to support at least a forward portion of thefoot of a wearer, said base member having a left side and a right sideand a front side and a rear side; a toe stop which extends upwardvertically from the front side of said base member; a first strap memberhaving a first end secured to said base member at a location near saidleft side and said rear side of said base member, said first strapmember also having a second end; a first calcaneus wrap member securedto said base member at a location near said left side and said rear sideof said base member, said first end of said first strap member beinglocated intermediate said first calcaneus wrap member and said basemember at the point at which said first calcaneus wrap member and saidfirst end of said first strap member are secured to said base member; asecond strap member having a first end secured to said base member at alocation near said left side of said base member and intermediate saidfront and back sides of said base member, said second strap member alsohaving a second end; a first side member secured to said base member ata location near said left side of said base member and intermediate saidfront and back sides of said base member, said first end of said secondstrap member being located intermediate said first side member and saidbase member at the point at which said first side member and said firstend of said second strap member are secured to said base member; a firstbuckle secured to said second end of one of said first and second strapmembers, said first buckle being operable to engage said second end ofthe other of said first and second strap members in a manner allowingfor a variable adjustment of the length of the portion of said other ofsaid first and second strap members between said first end of said otherof said first and second strap members and said first buckle; a thirdstrap member having a first end secured to said base member at alocation near said right side and said rear side of said base member,said third strap member also having a second end; a second calcaneuswrap member secured to said base member at a location near said rightside and said rear side of said base member, said first end of saidthird strap member being located intermediate said second calcaneus wrapmember and said base member at the point at which said second calcaneuswrap member and said first end of said third strap member are secured tosaid base member; a fourth strap member having a first end secured tosaid base member at a location near said right side of said base memberand intermediate said front and back sides of said base member, saidfourth strap member also having a second end; a second side membersecured to said base member at a location near said right side of saidbase member and intermediate said front and back sides of said basemember, said first end of said fourth strap member being locatedintermediate said second side member and said base member at the pointat which said second side member and said first end of said fourth strapmember are secured to said base member; a second buckle secured to saidsecond end of one of said third and fourth strap members, said secondbuckle being operable to engage said second end of the other of saidthird and fourth strap members in a manner allowing for a variableadjustment of the length of the portion of said other of said third andfourth strap members between said first end of said other of said thirdand fourth strap members and said second buckle; and an Achilles strapmember, said first and third strap members passing therethrough suchthat said Achilles strap member serves to retain said first and thirdstrap members therein in close proximity to each other.
 23. A bindingfor mounting on a snowshoe or like sport apparatus for releasablyretaining the foot of a wearer therein, said binding comprising: a basemember which may be mounted on the snowshoe or like sport apparatus,said base member being arranged and configured to support at least aforward portion of the foot of a wearer, said base member having a leftside and a right side and a front side and a rear side; a firstfastening member having a first end connected to said base member at alocation near said left side and said rear side of said base member,said first fastening member having a second end connected to said basemember at a location near said left side of said base member andintermediate said front and back sides of said base member; and a secondfastening member having a first end connected to said base member at alocation near said right side and said rear side of said base member,said second fastening member having a second end connected to said basemember at a location near said right side of said base member andintermediate said front and back sides of said base member, said firstand second fastening members wrap around the calcaneus of the foot of awearer and forming an X over the forward portion of the foot of awearer.
 24. A method of making a binding for mounting on a snowshoe orlike sport apparatus for releasably retaining the foot of a wearertherein, said method comprising: providing a base member which may bemounted on the snowshoe or like sport apparatus, said base member beingarranged and configured to support at least a forward portion of thefoot of a wearer, said base member having a left side and a right sideand a front side and a rear side; connecting a first end of a firstfastening member to said base member at a location near said left sideand said rear side of said base member; connecting a second end of saidfirst fastening member to said base member at a location near said leftside of said base member and intermediate said front and back sides ofsaid base member, said first fastening member being arranged andconfigured to wrap around the right side of the calcaneus of the foot ofa wearer; connecting a first end of a second fastening member to saidbase member at a location near said right side and said rear side ofsaid base member; and connecting a said second end of said secondfastening member to said base member at a location near said right sideof said base member and intermediate said front and back sides of saidbase member, said second fastening member being arranged and configuredto wrap around the left side of the calcaneus of the foot of a wearer,said first and second fastening members being of adjustable length toaccommodate a variety of foot sizes and to allow said binding to bereleasably secured to the foot of a wearer.